JORDAN • JUNE 7-14, 2025

Buckle up (figuratively, because there ain’t no seat belts when riding camels or flying in hot air balloons) and hold on tight, it’s gonna be wild! Picture this: a desert safari filled with sun (June in the Middle East), salt (Dead Sea), and sand (endless amounts). Four unique properties over seven nights: one night at a modern and amenity-filled 5-star hotel in downtown Amman (Jordan’s capital), two nights at a 5-star hotel located directly (literally steps away) at the entrance of Petra, two nights at a pseudo Bedouin camp (not 5-star nor is it supposed to be but air conditioning and flushing toilets are furnished) in the Wadi Rum desert, and two nights at a 5-star resort on the shores of the Dead Sea.

Jordan. Heard of it? Probably. Know much about it? Probably not. To clarify, this isn’t about sports entertainment and footwear (subtle reference to that famous basketball guy). This is about witnessing the sands of time, opening a door to the past, letting vibrant cities transport thyself, and discovering unique culture unto its own. Why Jordan? Why not? The country is part of the Holy Land, has the world’s oldest dam, has the lowest point on Earth, has more deserts than lakes, and has the largest continuous sand dunes in the world. The place is sick. So sick that those who seek adventure, religious destinations, ancient history, and unique natural landmarks often consider the destination top-tier. Jordan is truly basking in the spotlight it so richly deserves, constantly making headlines with its captivating stories and fresh perspectives—a dream come true for storytellers. As the Near East’s most peaceful destination, Jordan continues to offer compelling reasons to visit, and the nation is thrilled to share these new and exciting experiences with the world.

Simply put, this is not an ordinary overseas adventure. It is a turnkey (meals and gratuities included) adventure of a lifetime.

JORDAN

Jordan, officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is an Arab country of Southwest Asia, in the rocky desert of the northern Arabian Peninsula. Jordan is bounded to the north by Syria, to the east by Iraq, to the south by Saudi Arabia, and to the west by Israel and the West Bank. The Jordan River, flowing into the Dead Sea, is located along the country's western border and it separates the country from ancient Palestine. Jordan has a small coastline along the Red Sea in its southwest, separated by the Gulf of Aqaba from Egypt.

Although a young state, Jordan is a land steeped in history and is home to some of mankind's earliest settlements and villages. Relics of many of the world's great civilizations are still visible. Jordan has served as a strategic nexus connecting Asia, Africa and Europe. Part of the Ottoman Empire until 1918 and later a mandate of the United Kingdom, Jordan has been an independent kingdom since 1946. It is among the most politically liberal countries of the Arab world, and, although it shares in the troubles affecting the region, its rulers have expressed a commitment to maintaining peace and stability.

Jordan is an elaborate mosaic of biblical history that dates back to the times of Genesis. A well-traveled bridge between east and west, sea and desert, Old and New Testaments, this land east of the Jordan River that in ancient times was a designated place of refuge is the only area in the Holy Land that links the lives of Abraham, Lot, Moses, Job, David, Ruth, Elijah, John the Baptist, Jesus and the Apostle Paul. Reminders of their stories are everywhere in Jordan.

Official Name: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan • Continent: Asia • Capital: Amman • Area: 34,495 sq mi • Highest Elevation: 6,083' (Jabal Umm ad Dami) • Archaeological and Religious Sites: 100,000+ • Population: 11,360,000 (2024) • Time: UTC+3 • Primary Religion: Islam (97%) • Language: Arabic • Currency: Dinar ($1 = .71 JOD) • Industries: Mining + Manufacturing • Electricity: 230V • Driving Side: Right

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

Jordan’s climate varies from Mediterranean in the west to desert in the east and south, but the land is generally dry. It’s arid. It’s flat out parched. The country’s average annual rainfall is 4 inches — for comparison, Los Angeles averages over 14. Needless to say, there ain’t much use for umbrellas and galoshes in those parts. Surprisingly, the winters can be quite cold due to the altitude as Jordan is occupied by a 2,300' - 3,900' plateau. And while summers are sunny and hot (May to September), the altitude can temper temperatures at this time of year as well. Additionally, spells of hot, dry, dusty winds blowing from the southeast off the Arabian Peninsula frequently occur in the early and late summer and bring the country its most uncomfortable weather.

JUNE AVERAGES

Amman - High Temp: 88°F • Low Temp: 65°F • Sea Water Temp: NA • Daylight Hours: 11.5 • Sunshine Hours: 11.5 • Rainy Days: 0 • Monthly Precipitation: 0.0 in
Petra - High Temp: 92°F • Low Temp: 62°F • Sea Water Temp: NA • Daylight Hours: 11.5 • Sunshine Hours: 11.5 • Rainy Days: 0 • Monthly Precipitation: 0.0 in

AMMAN

Amman is the capital and largest city in Jordan, named for the Ammonites. The ammonites made the city their capital in the 13th century BC. Later it became a great city of Middle Eastern antiquity, and now serves as one of the Arab world’s major cultural capitals. The picturesque capital of Jordan weaves a captivating tapestry of attractions that seamlessly connect travelers with the local culture. Whether the journey is rooted in historical curiosity or a quest to unravel the multifaceted charm of Jordan, Amman encapsulates a microcosm of experiences waiting to be discovered. Standing as both the modern and ancient capital, Amman reflects a striking blend of old-world charm and contemporary vitality. A visit to the Amman Citadel and the Roman Theatre is like stepping through a time portal.

KEMPINSKI HOTEL AMMAN

Experience European luxury combined with authentic Jordanian warmth at this 5-star hotel in Amman. Where opulent rooms and suites, a luxurious spa, and a medley of culinary experiences in the restaurants (and bars) are sure to delight. Situated at the heart of Amman, the Kempinski Hotel offers a gateway to Jordan's attractions. Spanning 600,000 sq. ft, with over 250 beautifully designed rooms, numerous dining options, and premier event facilities, it exudes opulence on a grand scale.

Year Opened: 2005 • Year Renovated: 2013 • Rooms and Suites: 278 • WiFi: Included • Breakfast: Included • Dinner: Included • Onsite Dining: 6 options (+ room service) • Bar: Yes • Spa Services: Yes • Gym: Yes • Pool: Outdoor heated • Bowling: Yes • Laundry Services: Yes • Multilingual Staff: Yes • Concierge: Yes • Room Service: Yes • Elevator: Yes • Restaurants (<1 mi): 95 • Attractions (<1 mi): 10+

KEMPINSKI HOTEL AMMAN ACCOMMODATIONS

DELUXE ROOM
Magnificent views of the city, while combining all the comfort and functionality needed for a memorable stay. The 409 sq. ft rooms are available with either a king size bed or two twin beds.

PETRA

Petra (Greek: Πέτρα, "Rock"), is an ancient city that was once the center of an Arab kingdom in Hellenistic and Roman times. The city was built on a terrace and pierced from east to west by the Wadi Musa (the Valley of Moses). Famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system, Petra is also called the "Rose City" because of the shades of red, purple and pale yellow veined in the sandstone cliffs that enclose the valley. One can find the ruins of the historic city in southwest Jordan.

The area around Petra has been inhabited from as early as 7000 BC and was settled by the Nabataeans (nomadic desert Arab people whose kingdom ascended from the cliffs and whose wealth grew from the lucrative incense trade in the 4th century BC). Petra tells the story of the Nabateans, a lost civilization hidden by time and shifting sand. Petra grew into their most prominent city linking the Mediterranean and Arabian Seas, Egypt, Syria and even to Greece through camel caravans. Unlike their enemies, the Nabataeans were accustomed to living in hidden areas and barren deserts and thus were able to defend their kingdom and remain unconquered for centuries. When the Romans arrived in 63 BC, a new era of expansion and grandiose construction began generating iconic sites such as the 6000-seat roman theater, the Treasury and the Monastery. And yet it’s the raw beauty of Petra that draws in so many millions of visitors — the entire city of ruins is a work of art, painted on a natural stone backdrop that changes color every hour. The elegant Silk Tomb swirls with streaks of red, blue, and ocher, while vivid mosaics still pave the floors of a Byzantine-era church. Christianity reached Petra in the 3-4th centuries and flourished, however the city waned after an earthquake in AD 336 and under the early Islamic dynasties of the 7th century.

Petra was “only” rediscovered by a young Swiss man (poorly disguised as an Arab pilgrim as the story goes), Johann Burckhardt in 1812. Archaeologists have explored less than half of the sprawling site, and in 2016, with the help of satellite imagery, a monumental structure was found still buried in the sand. It’s no wonder that Petra remains Jordan’s top tourist attraction, is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To this day, the lost city continues to spill its secrets.

Built: 4th Century BC • Governorate: Ma’an • Governing Body: Petra Region Authority • Area: 102 sq mi • Elevation: 4,426' • Annual Visitors: 900,000 (2022) • Area Undiscovered: 85% (underground)

MOVENPICK PETRA

The Movenpick Resort Petra is a 5-star resort that sits proudly at the gateway to the historic Jordanian city of Petra. Situated directly at the entrance to Petra, the resort provides unparalleled access to the ancient city’s wonders. This luxury resort with an oriental flair features an exciting combination of natural stone, handcrafted wood and Middle Eastern fabrics and textures. With 183 luxury hotel rooms and suites plus a wide variety of restaurants that cater to all palates, the Movenpick Resort Petra will certainly provide long-lasting memories. Indulge in a spa treatment at the Zara Spa, swim some laps in the outdoor pool or work out in the state-of-the-art gym. Movenpick Resort Petra has something for everyone.

Year Opened: 1996 • Year Renovated: 2010 • Rooms and Suites: 183 • WiFi: Included • Breakfast: Included • Dinner: Included • Onsite Dining: 7 options (+ room service) • Bar: Yes • Spa Services: Yes • Gym: Yes (hiking Petra should suffice) • Pool: Outdoor heated • Laundry Services: Yes • Multilingual Staff: Yes • Concierge: Yes • Room Service: Yes • Elevator: Yes • ATM: Yes • Attractions (<1 mi): Petra!!!

MOVENPICK PETRA ACCOMMODATIONS

SUPERIOR ROOM
Comfortable, clean, and quiet. The 301 sq. ft. mountain view rooms are available with either a king bed or two twin beds.

WADI RUM

Imagine the last rays of sun disappearing behind the reddish mountains and trading pavement for sand (common on a Jordan adventure). After hours spent roaming along the King’s Highway — a vital biblical trade route connecting Egypt to Mesopotamia on Jordan’s western shore — the extraterrestrial terrain has been reached: Wadi Rum.

The 280 square mile UNESCO world heritage site, inscribed as a mix of natural and cultural wonders, is situated in southern Jordan 20 miles of the Saudi Arabia border. It features a varied desert landscape consisting of a range of narrow gorges, natural arches, towering cliffs, ramps, massive landslides and caverns. Petroglyphs, inscriptions and archaeological remains in the site testify to 12,000 years of human occupation and interaction with the natural environment. The combination of 25,000 rock carvings with 20,000 inscriptions trace the evolution of human thought and the early development of the alphabet. The site also illustrates the evolution of pastoral, agricultural and urban activity in the region.

People have lived in Wadi Rum for thousands of years, struggling to survive in its harsh environment. They have been hunters, pastoralists, farmers and traders, as Rum is close to national borders. Even the famous Nabateans once occupied Rum, leaving behind several structures, including a temple. Virtually all the people living in and around Wadi Rum today are of Bedouin origin and, until recently, led nomadic lives, relying on their goat herds. They are resourceful, hospitable people who are largely responsible for developing Wadi Rum as a tourist destination.

Much of the 1962 blockbuster film Lawrence of Arabia was filmed here. As were scenes from The Martian, Dune, and (of course) Star Wars.

Official name: Wadi Rum Protected Area • Meaning: Valley of high places • Location: Aqaba • Area: 278 sq mi • Elevation: 5,740' • UNESCO World Heritage Site: Yes (2011) • Annual Visitors: 162,000 (2017)

SUNCITY CAMP

SunCity Camp is Northwest of the Aqaba Sea in Jordan. It should be named SunCity Glamp because it sure is glamorous. Understand that not all Bedouin camps are created equal. Some lack amenities. Others lack a comfortable and clean atmosphere (gross). SunCity Camp is different. It is better. It’s an amazing way to spend a couple days rummaging through the sand.

Year Built: 2015 • Number of Domes: 20 • Number of Tents: 40 • Breakfast: Included • Lunch: Included • Dinner: Included • WiFi: Included • Spa Services: No • Gym: Hilarious • Fire Pit: Yes • Laundry: Yes

SUNCITY ACCOMMODATIONS

MARTIAN DOME
The dome features spectacular mountain views and a private bathroom with shower. The 538 sq. ft tents are available with a queen size bed.

DEAD SEA

The Dead Sea, is a salt lake in southwestern Asia in between Israel and Jordan. The lowest point on the face of the earth, over 1,412' below sea level, this vast stretch of water receives several incoming rivers, including the River Jordan. Once the waters reach the Dead Sea they are land-locked and have nowhere to go, so they evaporate, leaving behind a dense, rich cocktail of salts and minerals. These supply industries such as agriculture and medicine with some of its finest products. The saline water has a high density that keeps bathers buoyant. The fresh water of the Jordan stays on the surface, and in the spring its muddy color can be traced as it spreads southward. The lake’s extreme salinity excludes all forms of life except bacteria. Fish carried in by the Jordan or by smaller streams don’t survive when they reach the lake (creepy). Apart from the vegetation along the rivers, plant life along the shores is minimal.

Bordering Countries: Jordan and Israel • Surface Area: 234 sq mi • Max Length: 31 mi • Max Width: 9.3 mi • Average Depth: 618' • Max Depth: 978' • Primary Inflows: Jordan River • Primary Outflows: None

MOVENPICK RESORT & SPA DEAD SEA

Interesting note: travelers can enjoy the Dead Sea from either the Israel side or the Jordan side. One may assume that Israel’s side features a plethora of 5-star resorts and miles of pristine coastline. Nope. Years ago, Seasick explored that side of the sea and was left disappointed (imagine an expensive 2-Star Kosher Chuck E Cheese that has bedrooms). There were very few options, and none were remotely luxurious. Conversely, Jordan has several incredible properties for those who want to elevate their vacation.

The lavish Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea is found in a traditional village setting nestled amongst lush gardens. With well-being and balance in mind, this 5-star resort is an oasis of tranquility starting with its luxurious award-winning Arabian Dead Sea Zara Spa. Offering world-class facilities on 65,000 sq. ft, you can be sure to experience its ultimate grandeur. A unique, revitalizing and therapeutic experience with breath-taking views of the healing waters. The property also boasts nine trendy restaurants and bars with a delectable variety of cuisines catering to all tastes from laid back al fresco dining to the traditional Italian restaurant.

Special bonus: Attention chocolate lovers! 4:00pm-5:00pm daily in the lobby is officially “chocolate hour”. Indulge in delectable treats for free (this could be trouble).

Year Opened: 2000 • Year Renovated: 2018 • Rooms and Suites: 346 • WiFi: Included • Breakfast: Included • Dinner: Included • Onsite Dining: 9 options (+ room service) • Bar: Yes • Spa Services: Yes • Gym: Yes • Pools: 3 outdoor heated • Laundry Services: Yes • Multilingual Staff: Yes • Concierge: Yes • Room Service: Yes • Elevator: Yes • ATM: Yes • Golf Carts Shuttles: Yes • Attractions (<1 mi): Indeed

MOVENPICK RESORT & SPA DEAD SEA ACCOMMODATIONS

PREMIUM SEA VIEW
At the Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea there are a series of room categories. Classic rooms, then Superior rooms, then Deluxe rooms, and then Premium Pool view rooms. And then there are Premium Sea view rooms which are the highest tier accommodations before the suites. The 430 sq. ft. sea view rooms are available with either a king bed or two twin beds and feature an “extravagant” terrace (so their website says).

WADI MUJIB

Wadi Mujib is the lowest nature reserve on earth, and it is found in the Wadi Mujib Biosphere Reserve near the east coast of the Dead Sea. Thousands of years ago, when the Dead Sea started dropping below the sea level, the surrounding lower area of the canyons located around the coast started to flood, which caused a slow formation of sediments that blocked the lake from any river access. Most of the rivers eventually resumed their course, however the Wadi Mujib River broke into the sandstone.

20,000 years later, the powerful water passing through a narrow cleft became a deep gorge now known as the Siq. The Reserve extends to the Karak and Madaba mountains to the north and south, reaching 2,950' above sea level in some places. This 4,295' variation in elevation, combined with the valley's year-round water flow from seven tributaries, means that Wadi Mujib enjoys a magnificent biodiversity that is still being explored and documented today. Over 300 species of plants, 10 species of carnivores and numerous species of permanent and migratory birds have been recorded. Some of the remote mountain and valley areas are difficult to reach, and thus offer safe havens for rare species of cats, goats and other mountain animals. Mujib's sandstone cliffs are an ideal habitat for one of the most beautiful mountain goats in the world, the horned Ibex.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

PACKAGE INCLUDES

FLIGHTS

SAMPLE ITINERARY AS OF AUGUST 15, 2024

LOS ANGELES - AMMAN
DEPARTING: THURSDAY, JUNE 5 • RETURNING: SATURDAY, JUNE 14
ESTIMATED COST: $1,625

SAMPLE ITINERARY AS OF AUGUST 15, 2024
JORDAN AND EGYPT

AMMAN - CAIRO + CAIRO - LUXOR FLIGHTS FOR 2025 ARE NOT AVAILABLE
RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED Q4 2024

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

DEFINITIONS: “Company” is defined as Underwater Exposures, Inc. dba Seasick Productions, incorporated in terms of the laws of California, United States of America. "Company Affiliated Parties" is defined as the Company, its directors, members, partners, employees, agents, consultants, suppliers, and contractors. “Guest” is defined as any person or persons placing a booking (whether provisional or confirmed) with the Company and who contracts with the Company for any of the Services together with his/her spouse, dependents and companions. “Services” is defined as the provision of accommodation, transport, transfers, scuba diving and snorkeling activities, tours or any other activities or services provided by the Company and the procurement by the Company of the provision of accommodation, transport, transfers, scuba diving and snorkeling activities, tours or any other activities or services by any Third-Party Contractors.

GENERAL: Price based on double occupancy group rate. Single supplement, extensions, additional services, and all other items not listed in itinerary are not included. All prices subject to change without notice. A $2,000.00 deposit per person is required with each Guest reservation. Company reserves the right, without advance notice, to make changes or cancellations, in part or in whole, as circumstances dictate. Any deposit or payment made to Company or any representative of Company shows acceptance and acknowledgement of the terms and conditions as stated herein.

CHANGES TO RESERVATIONS: Any request by Guest to amend or change a booking once it has been confirmed, may be accommodated by Company subject to availability. If Company is able to assist, a reasonable administrative fee may be charged. Any such administrative fees shall be invoiced to the Guest and must be settled as per the standard terms applicable to the booking. If the invoice is not paid within such time, Company may construe such non-payment as an act of cancellation on the part of the Guest and the provisions of the cancellation clause shall apply. All reservations, confirmed bookings, and Company’s services are non-transferable.

CANCELLATIONS TO RESERVATIONS: Refund (less cancellation fee) may be issued if reservation is cancelled four months prior to departure date and if another Guest can fill the vacancy. All authorized refunds will be assessed a $300.00 cancellation fee. No refund or credit will be made for Services not utilized by Guest. No cancellations shall be accepted within 30 days of trip departure.

FORCE MAJEURE: “Force Majeure Event” is defined as any event which is beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to a national strike, act of war, armed conflict, insurrection, civil commotion, terrorism or the threat of terrorism; any act of God including but not limited to epidemic, pandemic, lightning, earthquake, flooding, fire, cyclone, hurricane, typhoon, tidal wave, storm, volcanic eruption and other unusual and extreme adverse weather or environmental conditions; any event which falls within any of these categories that is suffered by Third-Party Contractors of the Company, who are involved in the receipt or provision of the Services; and or any other cause or contingency beyond the control of the Company. The Company shall not be deemed to be in breach of any of its obligations to Guest due to any Force Majeure Event. If the Company is affected by a Force Majeure Event, it may in its sole and absolute discretion, amend or cancel any of the Services or the remainder thereof, or to make any alteration in route, accommodation, transportation or arrangement in the event of the Services or any part thereof being rendered impossible, illegal or inadvisable.

GUEST INSURANCE: If scuba diving is a Service used by Guest, Company requires Guest to possess a dive accident insurance policy prior to using any of Company’s Services. If scuba diving is not a Service used by Guest, Company requires Guest to possess an international accident and medical evacuation insurance policy prior to using any of Company’s Services. Information on dive accident insurance can be found at the Divers Alert Network’s website: www.diversalertnetwork.org. In addition, Company recommends trip insurance in the event a Guest must cancel the trip. Information on trip insurance can be found at the Divers Alert Network’s website: www.diversalertnetwork.org or the DiveAssure website: www.diveassure.com.

RESPONSIBILITY: Company acts only as agents for the Third-Party Contractors providing transportation, accommodations, diving and other Services. All tickets and vouchers issued constitute the sole contract between the Guest and Company. Company or its representatives shall not at any time be responsible in any way for loss, injury, or damage arising from any Force Majeure Event, act of government, theft, sickness, customs regulations, delay, cancellation error, or any cause beyond its control. Company or its representatives accepts no liability for the consequences of the personal activities of any Guest who is personally responsible for decisions concerning health, safety, fitness for diving and snorkeling, or any other circumstances beyond its control.